Choosing between Elementor and the WordPress Block Editor is an important decision when learning website design. Both tools help you create professional WordPress websites, but they work in different ways. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right starting point.
For beginners in Kenya, the best option depends on the type of website you want to build, your budget, and how much design control you need. If you want to create visually customized business websites, Elementor may be attractive. If you prefer a simpler approach that uses WordPress’s built-in editing tools, the Block Editor is an excellent starting point.
You do not need to master both tools immediately. Instead, learn how each one works, practise building a few pages, and choose the editor that best supports your goals. This guide compares Elementor and the WordPress Block Editor to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Elementor?
Elementor is a WordPress page builder plugin that lets you design pages visually. You can add elements, move them around, and adjust their appearance while viewing the page layout.
It uses a panel of design elements, often called widgets, and a visual editing canvas. Elementor offers a free version, while paid plans provide additional features and tools.
Elementor
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With Elementor, you can design:
- Business website homepages.
- Service and landing pages.
- Portfolio websites.
- Product and promotional pages.
- Custom layouts using compatible themes and features.
For example, a Kenyan web designer could use Elementor to create a homepage for a real estate company, with a hero section, property listings, service information, and enquiry buttons.
What Is the WordPress Block Editor?
The WordPress Block Editor, also known as Gutenberg, is the editor built into WordPress. It lets you create content using individual blocks.
Each paragraph, heading, image, button, or other supported content element can be added and edited as a block. The available design controls depend partly on the block and the active theme.
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The Block Editor is useful for:
- Writing and formatting blog posts.
- Creating standard website pages.
- Adding images, videos, buttons, and galleries.
- Arranging content into columns and groups.
- Building layouts with compatible block themes and patterns.
For instance, a blogger in Kenya could use the Block Editor to publish articles, add photographs, organize headings, and include links without installing a separate page builder.
Elementor vs WordPress Block Editor: Key Differences
The main difference is the way each tool approaches website creation. Elementor emphasizes visual page building, while the Block Editor provides a native block-based editing experience within WordPress.
| Feature | Elementor | WordPress Block Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Separate plugin | Built into WordPress |
| Editing approach | Visual, drag-and-drop page building | Insert and arrange content blocks |
| Beginner experience | Visual controls can feel intuitive | A straightforward starting point for content |
| Design flexibility | Extensive visual controls, depending on version and setup | Uses block settings, theme styles, patterns, and available blocks |
| Blog writing | Supports page and content design | Particularly suitable for writing and formatting posts |
| Cost | Free version; paid features available | Core editor included with WordPress |
| Extra plugins | Elementor adds its own interface and functionality | Additional blocks may be available through plugins |
| Theme customization | Advanced options depend on plan and setup | Full Site Editing features depend on a compatible block theme |
| Best starting point | Custom visual layouts | Posts, standard pages, and native WordPress editing |
Neither tool is automatically better for every website. The right choice depends on your design requirements, preferred workflow, and willingness to manage additional tools.
Which Is Easier for Beginners in Kenya?
Both tools are suitable for beginners, but they suit different learning preferences.
Elementor: Best for visual website design
Elementor may feel easier if you prefer to see the design as you build it. You can select an element, adjust its settings, and see the changes in the page preview.
It is particularly useful when learning how to create:
- Hero sections with headings and buttons.
- Multi-column service layouts.
- Image galleries and portfolios.
- Custom landing pages.
- Visually distinctive business websites.
However, you still need to learn spacing, typography, responsive design, page structure, and accessibility. A drag-and-drop interface does not automatically produce a professional website.
WordPress Block Editor: Best for learning WordPress fundamentals
The Block Editor is a good starting point if you want to understand the native WordPress editing experience.
You can practise adding headings, paragraphs, images, buttons, and columns while learning how WordPress organizes content. You can also explore block patterns and site editing features when your theme supports them.
It is particularly suitable for bloggers, content editors, and beginners who want to create straightforward websites without relying on an additional page builder.
My recommendation: If your main goal is to become a freelance website designer and build customized business websites, start with WordPress fundamentals and then learn Elementor. If your immediate goal is blogging or publishing content, begin with the Block Editor.
Which Editor Is Better for Building Business Websites?
For many beginners who want to build websites for Kenyan businesses, Elementor is a useful choice because it provides visual controls for creating customized page layouts. However, the Block Editor can also build attractive business websites, particularly when paired with a suitable theme.
Consider these examples:
A service business website
Elementor is a practical option when you want precise control over the homepage, service sections, testimonials, and enquiry forms. The Block Editor may be sufficient for a simpler site with standard layouts.
A blog or news website
The Block Editor is a natural starting point for writing articles and organizing content. You can use Elementor where a more customized page layout is necessary.
An e-commerce website
Both approaches can support a WooCommerce store. The final result depends on your theme, store configuration, compatible extensions, and the design features you need.
For more guidance on planning a business website, read Dr Web’s article Website Design for Small Businesses Kenya: A Practical Guide.
Does Elementor Cost More Than the WordPress Block Editor?
The WordPress Block Editor is included with WordPress, so you do not need to purchase a separate page-builder plugin to use it.
Elementor has a free version and paid plans that unlock additional features. Whether you need a paid plan depends on the website you want to create and the functionality required. Check the official Elementor website for current plan details.
Remember that the editor is only one part of your total website costs. You may also need to budget for:
- A domain name.
- Web hosting.
- Premium themes or plugins, if required.
- E-commerce extensions or payment integrations.
- Website maintenance and backups.
You can start learning either editor without immediately buying premium tools. Use free features first, then upgrade only when a project genuinely requires additional functionality.
Which Editor Is Better for Website Speed and SEO?
Neither editor guarantees a faster website or higher Google rankings.
Website performance depends on several factors, including hosting quality, theme design, image sizes, plugins, caching, and the way pages are built. A carefully optimized Elementor website can perform well, while an unnecessarily complex page built with either editor can become slow.
Likewise, SEO depends on more than the editor. Your content, page titles, headings, internal links, mobile usability, technical setup, and other factors all matter.
To build better websites:
- Use only the plugins you need.
- Compress images before uploading them.
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
- Avoid unnecessary animations and oversized page sections.
- Test pages on mobile devices.
- Use descriptive headings and useful content.
- Check page performance with appropriate testing tools.
For a broader look at website planning and performance, explore Dr Web’s guide to building and growing a successful online business in Kenya.
Can You Use Elementor and the Block Editor Together?
Yes. You can use both editors on the same WordPress website.
For example, you might use Elementor to design a custom homepage and the Block Editor to write blog posts. This approach allows you to use each tool where it is most useful.
However, plan your workflow carefully. Avoid unnecessarily building the same page with multiple editing systems, and test your theme and plugins for compatibility.
If you inherit a website that already uses one editor, learn how that website is structured before changing its editing system. Switching editors can require rebuilding layouts or adjusting existing content.
A Beginner’s Learning Roadmap
If you are unsure where to start, use this learning sequence.
1
Stage 1: WordPress basics
Learn pages, posts, themes, plugins, menus, and media management.
2
Stage 2: Block Editor
Practise creating articles, landing pages, headings, images, columns, and buttons.
3
Stage 3: Elementor
Learn containers, widgets, responsive controls, spacing, and global styles.
4
Stage 4: Complete website project
Build a business website with Home, About, Services, and Contact pages.
5
Stage 5: Professional skills
Learn SEO, performance, backups, security, and basic troubleshooting.
0 of 5 stages completedReset learning plan
If you want guided training, visit Dr Web Classes to explore learning opportunities related to WordPress, website development, e-commerce, and digital marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elementor better than Gutenberg for beginners?
Elementor may be easier for beginners who prefer visual, drag-and-drop design. Gutenberg, the WordPress Block Editor, is a good starting point for content editing and learning WordPress’s built-in tools. The better option depends on your goals.
Is Elementor free to use?
Yes. Elementor offers a free plugin. Some advanced design and website-building features require a paid plan. Check the current feature list before purchasing a subscription.
Can I build a professional website using only the WordPress Block Editor?
Yes. The Block Editor, combined with a suitable theme and compatible blocks, can be used to create professional blogs, business websites, and other types of websites. The design possibilities depend on the theme and available blocks.
Which editor should I learn first if I want to become a freelance web designer in Kenya?
Start with WordPress fundamentals, then learn the Block Editor and Elementor. This gives you experience with WordPress’s native tools and a visual page builder. Practise by building complete websites before offering services to clients.
Does Elementor slow down a WordPress website?
Not necessarily. Performance depends on how the website is built, its theme, plugins, hosting, images, and optimization. Avoid unnecessary elements and test the finished website rather than assuming one editor is always faster.
Can I use Elementor with WooCommerce?
Yes. Elementor can be used with WooCommerce, although available customization features depend on your Elementor plan, theme, and installed extensions. WooCommerce also works with the WordPress Block Editor and compatible themes.
Conclusion
Elementor and the WordPress Block Editor are both useful tools for beginners. The Block Editor is a strong starting point for writing content and learning WordPress’s native editing features. Elementor is especially useful when you want more visual control over custom page layouts.
For aspiring website designers in Kenya, I recommend learning WordPress fundamentals first, practising with the Block Editor, and then learning Elementor. This gives you a broader understanding of the platform and more flexibility when working on different projects.
If your goal is to build business websites, online stores, or websites for freelance clients, focus on creating complete, responsive, and easy-to-use websites rather than learning an editor in isolation.
Explore Dr Web Classes for relevant training opportunities and continue practising with real-world website projects.
